The Paper Crowns are the multi-instrument, genre crossing power duo of Spiro and Nicole Nicolopoulos. The Paper Crowns are earning their reputation as the genuine article and as a band on the cutting edge of modern roots music. Their musical chemistry is a gumbo of Appalachian folk and bluegrass, Dixieland melodies, delta blues, acid rock, […]
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Caitlin Krisko, this acoustic duo strips the band’s electrifying soul-rock sound down to its raw, emotional core. Known for fiery stage presence and blues-soaked vocals, Krisko blends Southern rock grit with deep soul and heartfelt storytelling. In this intimate format, every lyric lands and every note resonates—offering a stirring, up-close take […]
A rare solo evening with Clay Ross, two-time Grammy winner and founder of Ranky Tanky and American Patchwork Quartet. At The Purple Onion, Clay shares the stage with his daughter Isla, a young violinist and vocalist, for a set that moves between jazz standards, American folk tunes, and classical pieces. Casual, family-friendly, and built around […]
An alt-country and honky tonk band based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy and the Gentlemen plays down home roots style originals while paying homage to the greats of country music from the 40s to the 80s. Featuring rich harmonies and family style tele, Fancy Marie leads the band with crisp clear vocals twinged with the […]
Cowboy Judy is Western North Carolina’s premier Country-Motown supergroup, blending rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and irresistible charm into every performance. Featuring regional favorites Amanda Anne Platt, Amber Sankaran, Dulci Ellenberger, and Melissa Hyman, the band creates a sound that effortlessly weaves country, folk, soul, and Americana into an unforgettable live experience. With equal parts humor, […]
A tambourine totin' Blues Chanteuse named Peggy Ratusz and her Trio perform an infectious, sultry, multi-layered brand of original, traditional and modern Blues, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. She and her backing bands are particularly impressive during live performances where audiences witness her very core as it shines and is inspired by the rhythm, the melodies […]
Jackson Grimm marries folk pop melodies with the lonesome sound of traditional Appalachian music. In a region with a strong music culture, it is no surprise that Grimm's songwriting is representative of his musical birthplace: Asheville, NC. His songs run the gambit from an homage to a traditional country waltz to a drunken partygrass song […]
Kellin Watson brings a soulful blend of folk, blues, pop, and Americana to every performance, pairing heartfelt songwriting with a warm, expressive voice that has captivated audiences across the country. A North Carolina native, she has spent decades crafting music rooted in Appalachian tradition while embracing contemporary influences. Her albums, including Paper Bird, No Static, […]
Meet Elliot Poston, the real deal in modern country music. Hailing from the heart of South Carolina, Elliot is quickly proving why authenticity and hard work are the next big things in the genre. Blending traditional country heart with a powerful, modern sound, his music is a genuine tribute to faith, family, and southern values—the […]
Talley is an award winning vocalist & songwriter. Nikki's powerful and beautiful voice, often accompanied by Jason’s - husband- lush guitar tones, create a complete rustic sound. Nikki plays guitar as well as mountain clawhammer banjo while Jason accompanies her on guitar and sings harmony. At its core, Nikki Talley’s sound is wonderfully rural and […]
Funky Junk Joy Peddlers, formerly known as The Shana Blake Band, is an innovative new take on the classic soul cover band. A Purple Onion favorite, the band’s sound is filled with energetic, danceable music of the Motown era through current hits. Throwing in deeper cuts you know and love from R&B, soul, and funk […]
Darrin Hacquard is a balladeer of bad decisions hailing from Huntington, WV. Darrin is the soundtrack to doing something you’ll regret, and the repercussions you’ve earned. From being in a string band with acclaimed singer-songwriter John R. Miller, to stints in county lock-up and rehab, to grinding his songs out on the Appalachian songwriter circuit, […]